Nobel Prizes Run on Interest

In 1895, Alfred Nobel ordered in his will that 31 million Swedish kronor be invested and the returns used to fund annual prizes for work that benefits humanity. The Nobel Foundation invested that capital and let it grow instead of spending the original bequest. By the end of 2024, the fund had risen to more than 6 billion SEK, almost 200 times the starting amount, through investment gains. Those returns alone covered about 136 million SEK in 2024 for all Nobel prizes, medals, and administration, allowing the awards to continue indefinitely.

Previous Fact Next Fact